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| Garbage along the banks of the Ganga River. Despite the fact that it is a sacred river, with extraordinary religious importance for Hindus, and that it provides water for 40% of India, it is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. |
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| The sales team was on it. Ready to sell us little leaf bowls with flowers and a candle to float a wish upon the river. These little urchins were quite insistent. We bought enough for our whole group to make one wish each. |
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| Beggars lined up in Varanasi. It’s impossible to know which are independent and which are syndicated, collecting for a boss who gives them a finder’s fee. |
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| Hindus believe that being cremated along the banks of the Ganges river will release you from the cycle of rebirth. The funeral pyre consists of up to 800 lbs. of wood, which is extremely expensive. This is a ritual for the wealthy. The poor use electric cremation. |
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| Up to 200 cremations per day take place along the Ganges river. We saw 14 cremations happening at the same time. |
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